When someone is accused of unlawfully taking the property of another without their knowledge or permission, they face various penalties that can impact both their reputation and their lives. If you are someone who is currently facing theft charges of any kind in South Carolina, you have a lot to consider, and a lot at stake. Our firm is prepared to fight your charges at every turn. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Chesterfield County theft lawyer to learn more about theft crimes in SC and how we can help if you’ve been charged with one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the penalties for theft crimes in South Carolina?
Theft crimes can warrant a wide array of penalties, depending on the dollar value of the property stolen. The two levels of theft crimes in South Carolina are petit larceny and grand larceny. Those who’ve been allegedly caught stealing $2,000 worth of merchandise or less will face petit larceny charges. These charges can warrant up to 30 days of incarceration and a potential $1,000 fine. That said, if a person is allegedly caught stealing merchandise worth between $2,000 and $10,000, they will face grand larceny charges, which can entail up to five years of incarceration and a fine. Stolen property valued at more than $10,000 can warrant a 10-year prison sentence and a hefty fine. It is also worth noting that anyone who has been convicted of a theft crime will develop a criminal record, which can make it drastically harder to gain employment, secure certain loans, rent certain places to live, and more.
What should I do if I am charged with a crime involving theft in South Carolina?
If you are accused of any sort of theft crime, it is imperative that you retain competent legal counsel at once. We have provided those facing criminal charges in South Carolina with the quality legal services they need for years, and we can do the same for you. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, various defenses may be available to you. For example, if we can prove that you didn’t realize you were stealing or that you intended to pay for the item, we may have your charges dropped. Don’t make the mistake of proceeding without experienced legal counsel–our firm is prepared to fight for your rights, every step of the way.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED SOUTH CAROLINA FIRM
Our legal team has significant experience helping clients through a wide array of legal matters, including those involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law. For competent and trustworthy legal counsel, simply contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team.
